This steep coastal access trail in Bodega Bay drops down to spectacular views of hidden coves and dramatic rock formations along the Sonoma County shore. The trail itself is challenging—expect some real elevation change on the way down and a solid workout climbing back up—but the payoff is worth it. The coves below are genuinely striking, especially if you time your visit for lower tide when you can explore more of the rocky shoreline.

Fishing is excellent here if that’s your thing, though it’s definitely not an easy cast. Most people come for the sightseeing and to sit with a picnic while watching the waves work the rocks. Your dog will need to stay on a leash no longer than six feet, and they’ll need to be licensed. The steep terrain and ocean exposure mean you’ll want good footing on both ends—solid hiking boots are smart, and make sure your dog is in shape for the climb back up.

The real gem is combining Shorttail Gulch with the Pinnacle Gulch Trail to make a 1.9-mile loop, which gives you more coastal scenery and breaks up the hike nicely. The park opens at sunrise and closes at sunset, so plan accordingly—those sunsets over the water are something special if you can time it right.

Getting there requires some navigation: from Highway 1, turn onto South Harbour Way, then left on Heron Drive, then left on Mockingbird Road toward Pinnacle Gulch. From there you’ll walk to Osprey Drive to reach the Shorttail Gulch Trail entrance. Day-use parking is $7 per vehicle (or $1 per person if you’re in a vehicle with ten or more people). Bring water—there’s nothing up there once you’re on the trail, and your dog will appreciate it as much as you will.